For comparison, when the
Harpers gauge at our
launch @ 1929 Blacks Bridge Road, Annville reads the following
heights:

5.5’, the
Road to site #1 is almost covered, not accessible
and partly flooded;

7’ our ramp is covered to
the top gravel border;

9’ the swell puts water onto sites 1-4 & site 8;
and

10.56', only sites 26-35 do not flood.

DepthUSGS
GuagesNational Weather Service provides forecasts for Harper's
and Hershey gauges. Check the gauge nearest your start point.
Beginners should reschedule at 2.2' deep.
Reschedule
if experienced, but water is rising between 3.5' & 4', or below .4'.Kayaks may float a bit
lower. Memorial Lake is an option when the Swatara is too high or
too low.

Use caution at dams: With groups, avoid
low-head dam in Jonestown. Uneven portage on left bank, which disappears
into tree line in high water. Hershey dam portage is also on the left. Long, but flat, mowed route. Take out at feeder stream on left before warning sign.

Click below to view the section you would like to read, or scroll down to
read all of Chapter 5.

A. Vegetation

1. Native Vegetation

2. Invasive Vegetation

B. Wildlife

1. Terrestrial

2. Aquatic

C. Species of Special Concern

D. Important Habitats

1. Important Bird
Habitats

2. Riparian Buffers

3. Farm Game & Forest Game Programs

4. County Natural Heritage Inventories

A. Vegetation

1. Native Vegetation

The Swatara Creek watershed has managed to survive the intense commercial,
industrial, and transportation development that the eastern portion of
Pennsylvania has succumbed to. The majority of the watershed has historically
been and still is used primarily for agricultural purposes (Figure 2-1).
Indications of the past still remain along the hillsides, in the form of
well-preserved farm complexes built by the German and Scots-Irish settlers of
the 18

th century,
who set out to clear the land for farming. Prior to this time, this area of
Pennsylvania was located within the original Oak-Chestnut Forest Region (Braun,
1950). Along with the clearing of these lands by settlers, this forest region
was virtually eliminated during the destruction of the American chestnut (Castanea
dentata) by chestnut blight fungus (Endothia
parasitica) in the early 1900’s.
Although, some populations of American chestnut have been noted in Lebanon
County.

Currently, the old-growth forests in this area are non-existent and
forestland is confined to a few extensive, contiguous areas within the more
mountainous terrain typical of the northern portion of the watershed. The
existing forest is located within the Appalachian Oak Forest Region or Mixed Oak
Forest Region (Bailey, 1980) and is dominated by numerous oak species (

Quercus
spp.), along with red maple (Acer
rubrum), beech (Fagus
grandifolia), and tulip poplar (Liriodendron
tulipfera). This forest type occurs
on the slopes and tops of mountain ridges as well as in some of the narrower
valleys of Dauphin County. Most understory areas are composed of blueberries (Vaccinium
sp.), huckleberries (Gaylussacia
spp.), and mountain laurel (Kalmia
latifolia).

Some areas that have remained undisturbed, particularly those located in the
southern portion of Dauphin County, contain native vegetation, including native
grasses such as little blue stem (

Schizachyrium
scoparium), big blue stem (Andropogon
spp.) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum
nutans), and small trees such as
sassafras (Sassafras
albidum) and red cedar (Juniperus
virginiana) (Nature Conservancy,
1999). Other native small trees, such as red bud (Cercis
canadensis) have also been noted
within the watershed.

2. Invasive Vegetation

Any plant growing where it is not wanted and having objectionable
characteristics, such as aggressive growth or noxious properties that cause
allergic reactions or poisoning are considered as invasive vegetation (Haber,
1997). The introduction of these invasive species dates back to the earliest
arrivals of explorers and settlers to the region. Their ships were carriers of a
wide variety of seeds and invasive animals. Seeds were present in hay bales,
natural packing materials, and in food products. Even some of the seeds brought
for cooking ended up being invasive weed species. Once established, clearing of
these lands for logging and agricultural purposes aided in the spread of these
invasive species.

Photo 5-1: Purple loosestrife (Lythrum
salicaria)

When invasive species become established in
forestlands, prairies, and wetlands, they tend to suffocate out the native
vegetation. This then leads to the reduction of the biological diversity of the
area, decrease in wildlife habitat of the area, and in some situations, the
degradation of water quality and reduction of the recreational value of an area.
A good example of this situation is the introduction of the chestnut blight
fungus (Endothia
parasitica) that so greatly
influenced the health and composition of the forests in the watershed.

There is a long list of plants considered invasive within the United States
and the Swatara Creek watershed including the Japanese honeysuckle (

The problem associated with these species is controlling the invasion. This
is related to the biology of the species, especially its propagative
characteristics. Species that reproduce both sexually by seed and vegetatively
by adventitious roots require the traditional mechanical means of controlling
such as hand pulling, tilling, cutting, and mowing. Special care needs to be
taken with these measures, as there has to be great care in the timing of
pulling. This usually works best prior to seed production. It is also important
to pull the whole plant including all roots. This can be a very labor-intensive
process with large well-established populations. Tilling creates some of the
same situations but also ensues the problem of the soil seed bank. Sometimes by
tilling the soil, the seeds can be brought to the surface and germinate.

Animals can also be considered as invasive species. In recent years, two
invasive mussels, the zebra mussel (

Dreissena
polymorpha) and the Asiatic clam (Corbicula
fluminea), have created numerous
problems in Pennsylvania waterways. These mussels have been introduced through
the ballast of ships and have quickly spread. Neither of these species has
become established within the watershed; although, the zebra mussel has been
identified in the Susquehanna River Drainage. Being rapid reproducers, these
animals have the potential to clog water intake pipes and reduce nutrient levels
in water bodies that native species need to survive. Suggested methods of
control for these species include screening off water pipes and releasing small
amounts of chlorine or bromine to kill juvenile individuals.

Chemical means of control bring their own concerns with polluting waterways,
killing other desired species, and the potential harm to the user. Biological
controls can be used to control the main mass of the population. A biological
control works by using the plant’s natural enemies against it. Recently, the
loosestrife beetle has been released within the Hershey property to try to
control purple loosestrife.

Therefore, it has been suggested that the best solution for the control of
invasive species is an integrated pest management strategy. This includes a
combination of several methods including mechanical, chemical, and biological
controls. Mechanical and chemical efforts should be focused around the edge of
the population to prevent further spreading but thorough and extensive care
should be taken with these methods.

B. Wildlife

1. Terrestrial

Related to the vegetation of the area, wildlife species present within the
watershed are common for the habitats of the area. Oak, maple, and beech all
provide food sources for black bears, beavers, foxes, raccoons, squirrels,
chipmunks, mice, and white-tailed deer (Martin, Zim, and Nelson, 1951). Numerous
birds, both game and non-game species, also utilize these resources. Table 5-1
summarizes wildlife species located within the watershed. A listing of avian
species located within the watershed can be located in Appendix F.

Although not conducted directly within the Swatara Creek watershed, the
Forest Bioblitz ’99 was organized adjacent to the northwest portion of the
watershed in a 10 square mile area of State Game Lands 211 in the Stony Creek
watershed. A group of individuals including agency personnel recorded 1,250
species of plants and animals within this area. It was estimated that 414 plant
species, 146 beetle species, 106 moth species, 90 bird species, 50 moss and
liverwort species, and 36 lichen species were identified. Counts for mammals
were too large to estimate but did include the sighting of a black bear (

Ursus
americanus) and a pygmy shrew (Sorex
hoyi thompsoni).

2. Aquatic

Further discussions of fauna and assessments
of fish and macroinvertebrate species are presented in the Water
Resources section of this report.
Recently, a new cooperative trout nursery was started within the watershed in
Pine Grove Township, Schuylkill County. This was a joint effort by sportsmen’s
clubs, businesses, and individuals to provide fish for stocking Swatara Creek.
Two thousand brook trout (Salvelinus
fontinalis), 1,300 rainbow trout (Salmo
gairdneri), and 100 golden rainbow
trout (Salmo gairdneri
sp.) fingerlings were initially
released in the hatchery. It is estimated that by stocking time next year these
trout should grow to 13 to 14 inches and weigh over a pound. There are also
cooperative nurseries on Indiantown Run and Bachman Run in Lebanon County and on
Spring Creek in Derry Township. The nursery located on Indiantowm Run raises
4,000 brook trout, 2,000 rainbow trout, and 2,000 brown trout. The facility on
Bachman Run raises 4,000 brook trout, 1,000 rainbow trout, and 400 brown trout (Salmo
trutta) every year. This hatchery
also provides 400 brook trout for a children’s fishing derby in Derry
Township, Dauphin County. The nursery on Spring Creek raises 5,500 brook trout
and 500 brown trout for release. All of these fish are released into waters open
to the public for fishing.

TABLE
5-1

PARTIAL
LIST OF WILDLIFE SPECIES LOCATED WITHIN THE SWATARA CREEK WATERSHED

Species
Scientific Name

Species
Common Name

Species
Scientific Name

Species
Common Name

Bufo
americanus

American
Toad

Desmognathus
fuscus

Northern
Dusky Salamander

Castor
canadensis

Beaver

Rana
pipiens

Northern
Leopard Frog

Eptesicus
fuscus

Big Brown
Bat

Storeria
occipitomaculata

Northern
Red-Bellied Snake

Ursus
americanus

Black Bear

Pseudotriton
ruber

Northern
Red Salamander

Elaphe
obsoleta

Black Rat
Snake

Hyla
crucifer

Northern
Spring Peeper

Felis
rufus

Bobcat

Gyrinophilus
porphyriticus

Northern
Spring Salamander

Clemmys
muhlenbergi

Bog Turtle

Eurycea
bislineata

Northern
Two-Lined Salamander

Rana
catesbeiana

Bullfrog

Nerodia
sipedon

Northern
Water Snake

Thamnophis
sirtalis

Common
Garter Snake

Rattus
norvegicus

Norway Rat

Canis
latrans

Coyote

Chryemys
picta

Painted
Turtle

Peromyscus
maniculatus

Deer Mouse

Ranan
sylvatica

Pickerel
Frog

Terrapene
carolina

Eastern
Box Turtle

Erethizon
dorsatum

Porcupine

Tamias
striatus

Eastern
Chipmunk

Regina
septemvittata

Queen
Snake

Sylvilagus
floridanus

Eastern
Cottontail

Procyon
lotor

Raccoon

Lampropeltis
triangulum

Eastern
Milk Snake

Plethodon
cinereus

Red-Backed
Salamander

Scalopus
aquaticus

Eastern
Mole

Notophthalumus
viridescens ciridescens

Red-Spotted
Newt

Notophthalmus
viridescens

Eastern
Newt

Lasuirus
borealis

Red Bat

Neotoma
floridana

Eastern
Woodrat

Vulpes
vulpes

Red Fox

Hemidactyium
scutatum

Four-Toed
Salamander

Diadophis
punctatus

Ring-Neck
Snake

Urocyon
cinereoargenteus

Gray Fox

Lautra
canadensis

River
Otter

Scuirus
carolinensis

Gray
Squirrel

Bonasa
umbellus

Ruffed
Grouse

Ranan
clamitans

Green Frog

Blarina
brevicauda

Short-Tailed
Shrew

Lasiurus
cinereus

Hoary Bat

Plethodon
glutuinosus

Slimy
Salamander

Mus
muscukus

House
Mouse

Opheodrys
vernalis

Smooth
Green Snake

Ambystoma
jeffersonianum

Jefferson
Salamander

Lepus
americanus

Snowshoe
Hare

Myotis
kennii

Keen's
Myotis

Ambystoma
maculatum

Spotted
Salamander

Cryptotis
parva

Least
Shrew

Clemmys
guttata

Spotted
Turtle

Myotis
lucifugus

Little
Brown Myotis

Pseudacris
crucifer

Spring
Peeper

Eurycea
longicauda

Longtail
Salamander

Condylura
cristata

Star-Nosed
Mole

Ambystoma
opacum

Marbled
Salamander

Sternotherus
odoratus

Stinkpot

Sorex
fontinalis

Maryland
Shrew

Mephitis
mephitis

Striped
Skunk

Sorex
cinereus

Masked
Shrew

Didelphis
virginiana

Virginia
Opossum

Zapus
hudsonius

Meadow
Jumping Mouse

Peromyscus
leucopus

White-Footed
Mouse

Mustela
vison

Mink

Odocoileus
viginiana

White-Tailed
Deer

Desmognathus
ochrophaeus

Mountain
Dusky Salamander

Rana
sykvatica

Wood Frog

Ondatra
zibethicus

Muskrat

Marmota
monax

Woodchuck

Acris
crepitans crepitans

Northern
Cricket Frog

Napaeozapus
insignis

Woodland
Jumping Mouse

Clemmys
insculpta

Wood
Turtle

The following waters are stocked with trout by PFBC and/or the local
cooperative nerseries: Mill Creek and Little Swatara Creek in Berks County;
Manada Creek in Dauphin County; Trout Run, Quittapahilla Creek, Bachman Run, and
Snitz Creek in Lebanon County; and Upper Little and Lower Little Swatara Creeks
in Schuylkill County. There was also verified trout reproduction in Mill Creek
in Schuykill County, Indiantown Run in Lebanon County, and Manada Creek in
Dauphin County. In a 1999 survey of Trout Run (in Lebanon County), conducted by
the PFBC, an American Eel (

Anguilla
rostrata) was collected from the
stream. The last survey of this stream, prior to 1999 was conducted 22 years ago
and identified no American Eels. Table 5-2 summarizes the macroinvertebrates
historically collected within the Swatara Creek watershed.

Species of Special Concern have become an ever-increasing topic of discussion
in the 1990’s. The authority for all of Pennsylvania’s biological resources
lies with four resource agencies. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation
and Natural Resources (DCNR) holds jurisdiction over the management of the
plants and general information for the state, while the Pennsylvania Fish and
Boat Commission (PFBC) is responsible for the management of the fish, reptiles,
amphibians, and aquatic organisms within the state. Management of the state’s
wild birds and mammals is the responsibility of the Pennsylvania Game Commission
(PGC). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is responsible for federally
listed, proposed and candidate species under the Federal Endangered Species Act.
Responses received from these agencies in regards to Species of Concern in the
Swatara Creek watershed are located in Appendix F.

The Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PNDI) is a site-specific
information system to identify and describe Pennsylvania’s rarest and most
significant ecological features. DCNR, the Nature Conservancy, and Western
Pennsylvania Conservancy maintain PNDI. The system includes data on of plant and
animal species of special concern, exemplary natural communities, and unique
geologic resources. DCNR stated that there were 52 species of special concern
reported to occur in the Swatara Creek watershed (24 plant species, 10
invertebrate species, 5 bird species, 5 insect species, 3 mammal species, 3
geologic features, and 2 species of reptiles).

Photo 5-2:

Regal
fritillary butterfly (Speyeria
idalia)

The response received from USFWS indicated the following federally listed
species are or maybe located within the Swatara Creek watershed: the bog turtle

(Clemmys
muhlenbergii) and the regal
fritillary butterfly (Speyeria
idalia). According to this response,
the bog turtle, a federally threatened species, has been identified in the four
counties that make up the watershed, but not specifically in the Swatara Creek
watershed. This species, has had a decrease in its population by approximately
50% over the last 15-20 years. It is suggested that this decline is due to the
loss of the turtle’s wetland habitats to man made disturbances, fragmentation
of existing habitat, and invasive native and exotic plant species. Bog turtles
have also been known to be collected for illegal pet trade.

The regal fritillary butterfly is known to occur within the watershed area at
Fort Indiantown Gap Military Reservation in portions of Dauphin and Lebanon
County. According to studies conducted in the early 1990’s by the Nature
Conservancy, most of the species’ habitat appears to be located between Blue
and Second Mountains, but some areas were also located south of Blue Mountain
near Memorial Lake State Park. The population at Fort Indiantown Gap Military
Reserve is considered the only remaining viable population of this species in
the eastern United States, giving this area special ecological significance.

In August 1999, the Pennsylvania National Guard, responsible for
administering and care of Fort Indiantown Gap, signed a Memorandum of
Understanding with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to set aside 158 acres of
property to protect the species of butterfly. The NTC will maintain and manage
the area for the regal fritillary butterfly. More recently in October 1999, this
group and others have begun to investigate expanding the butterflies’ habitat,
possibly to areas just over the Blue Mountain, near Memorial Lake State Park.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) indicated the following species were
historically located and may still be present within the watershed.

TABLE 5-3

PGC
THREATENED OR ENDANGERED SPECIES

Scientific Name

Common Name

Status

Habitat

Bartramia longicauda

Upland Sandpiper

PT

Fallow fields, pastures, grassy areas

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Bald Eagle

PE

Riparian (Lakes & Rivers)

Neotoma floridana

Eastern Woodrat

PT

Mountainsides, valley sides, boulder piles

Casmerodius albus egretta

Great Egret

PT

Along streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, marshes,
mudflats

The PFBC indicated that the following species were located within the
counties of the watershed.

TABLE 5-4

PFBC
THREATENED OR ENDANGERED SPECIES

Scientific
Name

Common Name

Status

Taxanomic Group

Caecidotea pricei

Price’s cave isopod

Rare

Crustacean

Clemmys muhlenbergii

Bog turtle

Endangered

Turtle

Crotalus horridus

Timber Rattlesnake

Candidate

Snake

Lampsilis cariosa

Yellow lampmussel

Rare

Freshwater Mussel

Progomphus obscurus

Obscure clubtail

Rare

Aquatic Insect

Pyganodon cataracta

Eastern Floater

Rare

Freshwater Mussel

Stygobromus allegheniesis

Allegheny Cave Amphipod

Rare

Crustacean

Tachopteryx thoreyi

Thorey’s grayback dragonfly

Rare

Aquatic Insect

D. Important Habitats

1. Important Bird Habitats

As defined by the National Audubon Society, an Important Bird Area (IBA) is a
site of special significance to breeding or non-breeding birds that, on some
basis, can be distinguished from the surrounding area. An IBA should exist as an
actual or potential protected area, or it should have the potential to be
managed in some way for the benefit of birds and other wildlife. A site must
meet one of the following five criteria to qualify as an IBA: 1) Sites where
birds concentrate in significant numbers when breeding, in winter, or during
migration 2) Sites for endangered or threatened species 3) Sites for
Pennsylvania species of concern 4) Sites containing representative, rare or
unique habitats, with characteristic birds 5) Sites for long-term avian research
or monitoring.

Within the state, 73 sites have been designated as IBA, with the following 3
areas being located within the Swatara Creek watershed: St. Anthony’s
wilderness - SGL 211, Hershey special habitat, and Second Mt. Corridor - SGL 211
(Figure 5-1).

St. Anthony’s wilderness - SGL 211 is located in Dauphin County and has
been recognized within Pennsylvania, as having an exceptional concentration
and/or diversity of birdlife, was a site for Pennsylvania species of concern,
and was a site with an exceptional representative of a characteristic natural or
near-natural habitat within its physiographic province. This site was listed as
containing Northern Goshawk (

Accipter
gentilis) and Whip-Poor-Wills (Caprimulgus
vociferus).

The Hershey special habitat is also located in Dauphin County. This site was
a site for Pennsylvania species of special concern and the site contains a
habitat type that is rare, threatened, or unusual within the state or region. It
was stated to provide for the wintering of the Long Eared Owl (

Asio
otus). This site also shows up as a
"Bird Sanctuary" on local mapping.

The Second Mt. Corridor - SGL 211 is located within Lebanon County. This site
is a "bottleneck" for at least 10,000 raptors during fall migration
and was also a site for long-term avian research or monitoring. Sightings of
sharp-shinned hawks (

Accipiter
striatus) and red-tail hawks (Buteo
jamaicensi) are common. Other
species including the Golden Eagle (Aquila
chrysaetos) have also been recorded.

2. Riparian Buffers

A riparian forest buffer is defined as an area of trees, usually accompanied
by a scrub/shrub component and other vegetation that is adjacent to a body of
water (Siesholtz, 1997). This buffer maintains the integrity of the stream
channels and shorelines; reduces the impact of upland sources of pollution by
trapping, filtering, and converting sediments, nutrients, and other chemicals;
and supplies food, cover and thermal protection to fish and wildlife. Riparian
buffers are extremely beneficial in river conservation. These buffers once
protected most rivers and streams in North America; but due to deforestation and
development, most of these buffers are gone. The removal of riparian buffers
results in adverse effects on water quality, wildlife and aquatic habitat,
stream bank stabilization, and aesthetics of the waterway.

Related to the physiographic provinces, land use practices, and water quality
trends, it was determined that there appear to be more riparian buffers located
in the northern portion of the watershed where forest land, public lands, and
less agricultural runoff occurs are more prevalent. As 57 percent of the Swatara
Creek study area is agricultural land, these areas tend to have no riparian
buffers or minimal riparian buffers.

3. Farm Game & Forest Game Programs

The PGC offers two related programs, the cooperative Farm Game program and
the Forest Game Co-op, both are designed to increase recreation opportunities
for hunters while promoting management of the state’s wildlife resources. A
table indicating the state game lands, state forests lands, and state parks
within the watershed can be located in the

Cultural
Resources section of this report.

The cooperative Farm Game program represents a statewide network of private
landowners who permit the use of their lands for public hunting. To enhance this
use, the PGC may provide landowners with seedlings for creating or augmenting
wildlife habitat, informational and directional signs, law enforcement patrols,
technical assistance from the Commission’s natural resource specialists,
wildlife seed mixtures, and border cuttings around agricultural fields to
provide edge and transitional habitat. The Forest Game Co-op is comprised of
forest, coal and gas companies, water authorities, and private individuals. To
qualify for this program, a minimum of 1000 acres is required. In return for
permitting public access to their properties, cooperators receive the same
incentives as participants in the Farm Game program.

The agricultural land use prevalent throughout much of the Swatara Creek
watershed makes these programs attractive mechanisms for improving both
terrestrial habitats and recreational opportunities. As indicated on Figure 5-1,
several hundred acres of Farm Game and Forest Game Co-op lands are concentrated
along the rural northern perimeter of the watershed.

4. County Natural Heritage Inventories

County Natural Heritage Inventories typically identify and map the most
significant natural areas of the study county. These inventories are lists of
existing plant and animal species and natural communities that are unique or
uncommon to the county. The inventory holds no legal authority or protection,
it’s intent is to be used as a planning tool for municipal decision-making,
developers, utility companies, and government agencies. Natural Heritage
Inventories have been completed on Berks and Dauphin Counties. Lebanon and
Schuylkill Counties have not undertaken this type of study.

a) Berks County

The Nature Conservancy completed the Berks County Natural Areas Inventory in
1991. An update to this report was conducted in 1999. According to these
reports, Berks County contains 1 natural area of statewide significance and 3
areas of local significance (Figure 5-1).

Blue Mountain is the only identified natural
area within the watershed of statewide significance. This mountain is the
boundary between the Appalachian Mountain and Great Valley sections of the
Valley and Ridge province. This area represents the largest, continuous tract of
forest within Berks County and provides important habitats for numerous animals
including some threatened or endangered species and a migration corridor for
hawks. This area is also the headwaters for many of the creeks in the area
including Little Swatara Creek. State Game Lands and State Forest land provide
numerous hunting and fishing opportunities and comprise significant portion of
this area and the Appalachian Trail meanders along the ridge top. For these
reasons, Blue Mountain has been designated by the Nature Conservancy as a
priority one critical area to be maintained in the state.

The three areas identified for local significance include the Little Swatara
Floodplain Forest, the Appalachian Trail, and the Boulder fields.

The Little Swatara Floodplain Forest is
located in Bethel and Tulpehocken Townships and contains a diverse assembly
of plants and birds. It has been determined that a mixture of tree species
including slippery elm, red maple, white oak, and beech have been located in
the area. The herbaceous layer contains wood nettle, spotted touch-me-not,
and numerous spring blooming species. A significant number of wetland
species have been documented along the creek and floodplain. A number of
birds also use the forest area.

The Appalachian Trail, as mentioned
above, runs along the ridge top of Blue Mountain and is an important
recreational resource. The trail is mostly protected but some areas are in
need of permanent restrictions on development and land use. For this reason,
the trail has been ranked high in terms of local significance and
protection. Further information regarding this trail is located in the Cultural
Resources section of this
report.

The Boulder Fields are located in Bethel
Township and are of local significance for geologic reasons. They also have
historically provided habitat for the state threatened eastern woodrat (Neotoma
floridanus magister).

b) Dauphin County

The Nature Conservancy completed the Natural Area Inventory for Dauphin
County in conjunction with Cumberland and Perry Counties in 1999. There are 9
natural areas of statewide significance and 1 site of local significance
located within the Swatara Creek watershed (Figure 5-1).

Fort Indiantown Gap is not only a site of
statewide significance but is also a top priority site for protection. This
site is located in Dauphin and Lebanon counties and currently is being used
as a military reservation. The area is contained in a valley between Blue
and Second Mountains. Populations of two rare animal species inhabit
portions of this area in Dauphin County, one of which was previously
discussed.

The Manada Creek Woods are also located
in East Hanover Township and portions of these woods extend into the Fort
Indiantown Gap site. This area is an upland forest growing red oaks, white
oaks, red maples, black gums, hemlocks, witch hazel, serviceberry, highbush
blueberry, and mountain laurel. This area also contains a population of a
Pennsylvania threatened tree species.

The Hummelstown Limestone Bluffs is an
area of limestone bluffs that supports a population of Pennsylvania
threatened plant species that has been known in the area for 60 years. The
area surrounding contains diverse flora under sugar maple and hackberry tree
canopy.

Indian Echo Caverns is located in Derry
Township and is a commercially operated cave. A globally rare animal has
been noted in the cave and is reproducing successfully. ·

Swatara Creek at Fiddler’s Elbow is an
approximately 1 mile section of the creek that includes numerous riffle/run
areas. A vulnerable population of mussels was located here in 1997. Threats
to these species include thermal and chemical pollution, impoundments, and
sedimentation.

The Iron Run Dam Site is located in
Londonderry Township. This site contains a population of a Pennsylvania rare
plant. This species requires disturbed habitats and grows on the shoreline
of an artificial lake in the Susan Cole Natural Area. This lake is used as a
water source for Middletown Borough.

The Roundtop Thicket is a site located in
Londonderry Township in the Iron Run watershed. The vegetation of the areas
consists of a variety of native and exotic herbaceous and woody species. It
also supports a small population of a species of special concern plant.

The Swatara Creek Woods is a forested
site along the creek that provides a habitat that supports a diversity of
species including two Pennsylvania threatened plant species.

Swatara Creek at Royalton is located in
the lower reaches of the creek just before the creek’s confluence with the
Susquehanna River. It contains two species of special concern. It also
contains populations of Asiatic clams that, as described above, are an
invasive species and potentially could damage the ecosystem of the creek.

The Fiddler’s Elbow Bluff is the only
locally significant site in the Dauphin County portion of the watershed
located near the Swatara Creek Woods along the creek. This is an area of
limestone cliffs and ledges containing diverse native flora including
round-leaved hare’s bells, bloodroot, hepatica, ragwort, and columbine.